Education
Stephen has always been passionate about education and currently serves on the faculties of both the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama Junior Department.
In recent years, he has given masterclasses at institutions including the Royal Academy of Music, Cambridge University, Royal College of Music, Eton College, Ignacy Jan Paderewski Academy of Music (Poland), Royal College of Music Stockholm, Cardiff University, Wells Cathedral School, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Vanderbilt University, Liverpool University, University of Georgia and University of Michigan, among others.
Recognized for his work in creative projects, Stephen has been invited to give presentations at the New England Conservatory, University of Sussex and Auburn University on the topics of contemporary music, entrepreneurial musicianship and interdisciplinary collaboration and has also given masterclasses and lead seminars at Trinity Laban. He was also invited to teach an for Aldeburgh Young Musicians course at Britten Pears Arts and was a featured guest on BBC Radio 3’s “This Classical Life”.
If you are interested in studying with Stephen, please use the contact page to get in touch about arranging a consultation lesson.
Stephen Upshaw returns to TL
Feb 14 2022
This spring, the American violist is set to engage with music and dance students in a series of projects, concerts and workshops
Having held the Trinity Laban Carne Trust Junior Fellowship 2016-17, accomplished violist Stephen Upshaw returns to the conservatoire this spring to inspire the next generation of talented young musicians.
Stephen is a noted interpreter of contemporary music as both a soloist and chamber musician. He is a member of the innovative Solem Quartet and London’s Riot Ensemble and has worked closely with many of today’s leading composers, including John Adams, George Benjamin and Errollyn Wallen.
With a strong interest in synthesizing music with other fields, Stephen’s expertise will be exercised during CoLab, our annual festival of collaboration that sees students and stuff from across our faculties unite for a fortnight of experimental and creative projects.
Knuckling Down
Oct 2022
“Stephen Upshaw, professor of viola at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Junior Guildhall, on the importance of developing powerful base knuckles in both right and left hands for tension-free playing.
The size of the viola as an instrument makes the development of powerful base knuckles on both hands particularly relevant to violists. This shouldn’t be seen as a luxury or ‘the icing on the cake’ but rather as one of the essential building blocks for developing a good and sustainable technique.”